Valefresco's technical manager Jackie Harris has been named chair of the Industry body that represents UK growers and packers of salads.
Harris brings with her more than 25 years’ experience in fresh produce, in particular in salads and herbs, having worked for some of the biggest names in the sector, including Organic Farm Foods, Lighthorne Herbs, Vitacress, VHB Herbs and Lincolnshire Herbs.
She replaces Graham Clarkson, who stood down from the role in March after leaving Vitacress to join soft fruit firm Edward Vinson.
In her current role at Valefresco, Harris manages the technical aspects of over 1,000 acres of outdoor salads, and more than 45 acres of protected cropping.
On her appointment, she said:“I am delighted to have been elected as chair. Since starting out in the business at the tender age of 14, working for a local market gardener, my passion for fresh produce has gone from strength to strength.
'Leafy salads is a vibrant industry, and I’m looking forward to working alongside BLSA members and other organisations to further raise its profile to promote British salads and produce at every opportunity.”
